Buying cars cont'd... Mechanic look over

[supernova]

I have another question. If a mechanic looks at the car I want to buy, is that something I pay for or does the seller?

I've never done this before so that's why I'm asking. I'm assuming I do, since I'm the one who needs the report. But I could be wrong. Am I right?

[LeftyMom]

1. You do.

If he pays, the mechanic has an incentive to serve his interests rather than yours. Presumably the seller would also get to pick the mechanic in that situation, which isn't a good idea for you.

[ohiosmith]

2. What I've done in the past is to get the seller to pay for the inspection

if I buy the car. Try it.

[Xithras]

3. Buyer pays.

It's your insurance to verify that the car is in good running order. If the car turns out to be a lemon, the money you spent on the mechanic will have saved you a lot of expense later on. If it turns out to be a good car, the money will technically have been wasted, but you'll have peace of mind knowing that you can depend on it.

But inspections, whether in houses or cars, are the buyers responsibility. Caveat emptor.